The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and other Catholic leaders condemned police violence against "peaceful demonstrations" after President Viktor Yanukovich's decision not to seek closer ties with the European Union.

In his clearest public reference as pope to the subject of clerical sex abuse, Pope Francis urged bishops to support abuse victims while also reaching out to priests who have "fallen short of their commitments."

More people live longer, but their quality of life may actually worsen because too often the elderly are not respected and, when they get ill, they may be abandoned, said speakers at a Vatican conference.

Pope Francis said he goes to Confession every two weeks, knowing that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, but also knowing that having a priest say “I absolve you” reinforces belief in God’s mercy.

Pope Francis embraces Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila before blessing a mosaic of St. Pedro Calungsod during a meeting with the Philippine community at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Nov. 21.